(19)
(11) EP 0 919 202 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
29.11.2000 Bulletin 2000/48

(43) Date of publication A2:
02.06.1999 Bulletin 1999/22

(21) Application number: 98309577.9

(22) Date of filing: 24.11.1998
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61B 19/00
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE
Designated Extension States:
AL LT LV MK RO SI

(30) Priority: 28.11.1997 US 980443

(71) Applicant: PICKER INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Cleveland, Ohio 44143 (US)

(72) Inventors:
  • Yanof, Jeffrey H.
    Solon, Ohio 44139 (US)
  • Sharpless, Ronald B.
    S. Euclid, Ohio 44124 (US)
  • Jeri, David
    Parma, Ohio 44130 (US)
  • Bauer, Christopher
    Westlake, Ohio 44145 (US)
  • Furst, Daniel S.
    Concorde, Ohio 44077 (US)

(74) Representative: Waters, Jeffrey 
Marconi Intellectual Property Waterhouse Lane
Chelmsford Essex CM1 2QX
Chelmsford Essex CM1 2QX (GB)

   


(54) Frameless stereotactic surgical apparatus


(57) An imaging apparatus (18) includes a frameless stereotactic arm apparatus (30) including a first base portion (42) mounted in a fixed relationship to the imaging device. A second free end (40) of the arm assembly is adapted to move into varied positions near a specimen disposed on the imaging apparatus. At least one pivot joint (44, 48, 52, 56, 60) is provided between the first base portion and the free end of the arm for permitting selective relevant movement between the arm members. Electro-mechanical and electro-magnetic brake devices are provided at respective joints to selectively lock the free end of the arm assembly to the base portion. The brakes are responsive to a brake command signal generated by the imaging device. A low pass filter conditions the brake command signal to substantially eliminate high frequency electromagnetic switching noise in the stereotactic arm. So that the arm is movable in emergency situations, the brakes are adapted to release in response to application of a force in excess of a predetermined breakaway threshold force.






Search report